mercuryshadow Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Does anyone have experience with an MD who practices outside the realm of traditional western medicine? I have been looking for a dr. with a more holistic aspect, as I have become disconcerted by Rx happy doctors in the past. I don't want to be prescribed meds which can lead to terrible side effects and/or more serious afflictions in the future. In the past couple of years I've studied the harmful effects of even over the counter medications and have steered clear of many of them. I came across an ad for a doctor who comes highly rated in my area, who not only practices traditional medicine, but also does medical acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Has anyone ever seen someone like this? What did you think? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
EasyHeart Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 I have a lot of experience with non-traditional medicine. Practitioners run the gamut from brilliant to quacks, so you have to be really careful. First, make sure that they are a real doctor, ie he/she has an MD degree. There are a lot of chiropractors, herbalists, chinese medicine 'doctors', etc out there who call themselves 'doctor' but really aren't. If that's what you're looking for, that's fine. But be careful: not everyone who calls themselves doctor really is one. A lot depends, too, on what kind of problems you have. If you're generally healthy and just want some help with nutrition and vitamins and exercise, then one of these folks might be helpful. Or if you have pain for an injury, there's evidence that acupuncture can help with pain management. But if I have cancer or an infection, I want a doctor who can read blood tests and prescribe prescription medicine. As far as I know, there are no official definitions, so people can call themselves whatever they want. One magic word to look for is "integrative medicine". That usually means they are MDs who also advise patients on nutrition, supplements, exercise, etc. and use prescription or non-prescription medicines --- whichever is appropriate. To me, the important thing is to be able to distinguish between the "doctors" who think medicine doesn't work and the doctors who think medicine hasn't learned everything yet. For instance, ten years ago doctors were called quacks if they recommended Vitamin D supplements for everyone; now it's pretty much malpractice if you don't put all your patients on Vitamin D. Hope that helps. Good luck! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 Good point about integrative medicine as a label. Maybe someone at a health food store could recommend someone. My gynecologist and endocrinologist are open minded and keep up with nutritional research and hormones. It depends on what you need. Link to post Share on other sites
mea_M Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Does anyone have experience with an MD who practices outside the realm of traditional western medicine? I have been looking for a dr. with a more holistic aspect, as I have become disconcerted by Rx happy doctors in the past. I don't want to be prescribed meds which can lead to terrible side effects and/or more serious afflictions in the future. In the past couple of years I've studied the harmful effects of even over the counter medications and have steered clear of many of them. I came across an ad for a doctor who comes highly rated in my area, who not only practices traditional medicine, but also does medical acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Has anyone ever seen someone like this? What did you think? Yes. And I'm much like you in thought about medications. The best thing I can tell you is get some good referrals if possible and do your homework. I ran into a few winners that could have caused me more harm than good. Example: My very first Lyme Literate MD. Its is very important to find someone who sees the whole you. The entire picture. And if you are against certain meds that's your right. The compatibility must be there between the patient and practitioner. Good luck. Mea:) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Speakingofwhich Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Mercury, my Dr. (MD) is a functional medicine specialist and also has a nutrition degree. You might google functional medicine to learn about it. They treat underlying causes of disease rather than the symptoms of disease. I've been very happy with her. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
skydiveaddict Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I came across an ad for a doctor who comes highly rated in my area, who not only practices traditional medicine, but also does medical acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Has anyone ever seen someone like this? What did you think? Yes. My cousin does all that. He is an M.D. Does acupuncture, herbal medicine, traditional western medicine, the whole shot. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Author mercuryshadow Posted September 18, 2013 Author Share Posted September 18, 2013 Thanks for your replies! Very helpful! I recently came across an ad for a doctor who unifies traditional Western medicine with acupuncture and herbal medicine. He has great reviews/credentials. I've suffered from asthma my entire life, and am tired of being fed steroids. I only take a rescue inhaler now, and have refused the other management meds which come with very scary side effects. I'm also on a journey to go entirely off depression meds I've been on for over a decade, but have had a disappointing response from my prescribing doctor. My therapist believes I've been on these drugs for too long, and since previous stressors and negative influences in my life have now ceased, it would be best to experience life without meds. I wholeheartedly agree, especially since my fiance and I would like to try for a baby right after we are married. I'm really hoping this new, progressive doctor will help with all of this! Thanks so much for the input. Link to post Share on other sites
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